Beauty Haul: MAC Lipsticks

It was five in the morning, at the airport – a few hours past my birthday. An illuminated store stood out; it was calling my name. I went in empty-handed and got out with three new things. It left me with a full heart and a relatively huge dent on my debit card.

Apparently, I have become quite the collector the past year. It started with lipsticks (from Ever Bilena to MAC *insert Drake song*) but my late Youtube education made sure it left me wanting and needing more than just color on my lips.

If you are a beauty rookie such as myself, before you head out and buy your first MAC lipstick, make sure you do watch video swatches (or maybe, read my blog). It makes a ton of difference (skin color, product finish, price, possible dupe, etc.)!

I have been reserving a much awaited MAC haul for a special occasion so what better way to spend (more) money on things you will rarely use (kidding) than on a b-i-r-t-h-d-a-y (whilst having a near-quarter-life crisis, mind you).

Twig

MAC satin lipstick in Twig is a soft muted brownish-pink, perfect for every day use. I’ve been wearing it constantly this week after my much needed vacation. I’ve tanned and gotten darker – around two foundation shades darker – it’s crazy! The semi-matte finish leaves my lips feeling soft without it being sticky. It also lasts for a very long time. I could probably get away without reapplying it if I weren’t too keen on brushing my teeth after lunch. The Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in the shade 08 – my most used lipstick – is a great dupe, in my opinion.

Velvet Teddy

MAC matte lipstick in Velvet Teddy is a gorgeous deep-tone beige, possibly the best ‘My Lips But Better’ nude shade for morena skin I’ve ever tried. I actually had to stop and revel in it after applying for the first time. I had my doubts given my really, really dark after-beach skin. I thought it would make me look pale but it did quite the opposite! For a matte finish, it’s doesn’t dry your lips unlike more iconic matte shades such as Russian Red and Rebel. You need this in your life!

Please Me

Please Me is my least favorite from the bunch – only because of my current skin color. It’s a muted-rosy-tinted pink, a product I tried a few days before I went to the beach and loved, loved so much. I used it post-tan and it just makes me look very pale. I can’t wait for my normal skin color to return so I could enjoy this shade again!

Elisa Aquino

Elisa Aquino is a portrait photographer, life(style) writer, passion blogger, and beauty rookie from Manila, Philippines. This platform exists to document her daily musings and to showcase the life-changing power of grace to transform women from ashes to beauty.

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He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes. (Isaiah 61:3)